Internet Sensation Grumpy Cat Dies At Age 7

Grumpy Cat, an internet sensation and pioneer of the pets-as-influencers trend, has died at age 7, CNN reports.

Her owner, Tabatha Bundesen of Morristown, AZ, wrote on Twitter:

Despite care from top professionals, as well as from her very loving family, Grumpy encountered complications from a recent urinary tract infection that unfortunately became too tough for her to overcome. She passed away peacefully on the morning of Tuesday, May 14, at home in the arms of her mommy, Tabatha.

The cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, rose to prominence on Reddit in 2012. At the time of her death, Grumpy Cat had 8.5 million fans on Facebook, 2.4 million followers on Instagram and 1.5 million followers on Twitter.

CNN notes that she also “inspired art projects, perfumes, merchandise, Skechers shoes, comics and even a ‘Grumppuccino’ coffee.”

Grumpy Cat had feline dwarfism, and her owners said that’s likely what caused her distinctive appearance.

Read more at CNN